Friday, October 07, 2016

Edina Fire reminds residents to replace their smoke alarms every 10 years

Edina, Minn., Sept. 29, 2016 – Each year in October, the Edina Fire-Rescue & Inspections Department recognizes Fire Prevention Week by visiting elementary classrooms around the community to teach children about fire safety. This year, Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9-15. The theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

“We want to make sure that every home has working smoke alarms and that families -- especially children -- know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds,” said Fire Inspector Brian Hanrahan.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a house fire in half. To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

“Smoke alarms should be tested once a month and the batteries should be replaced twice a year,” said Hanrahan. “A good rule of thumb is to change your smoke alarm batteries when you change your clock for Daylight Savings.”

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside of each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Larger homes may need more alarms. For best protection, make sure all smoke alarms are interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which Oct.9 sits, and was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Organized by the NFPA, every year has a new theme in order to inform people about the best ways to practice fire safety.

For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov/Fire or follow the Public Safety Blog at blogs.EdinaMN.gov.

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The City of Edina
4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424
mail@EdinaMN.gov 952-927-8861

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